12 Ways Cannabis Can Help Multiple Sclerosis

Does Medical Marijuana Help MS?

The National MS Society estimates 2.3 million people suffer from Multiple Sclerosis (MS) around the world. Multiple sclerosis is a chronic progressive neurological disease in which the immune system attacks the central nervous system. MS is characterized by a variety of disabling symptoms. Many MS patients find relief with medical marijuana.

Watch & Listen to Meg Llewellyn discuss using cannabis for multiple sclerosis on my web series, Patients Are the Proof.

It’s important to point out, like all medications, cannabis doesn’t work for everyone, however for many patients, cannabis helps relieve a variety of symptoms of MS and can dramatically enhance the quality of life.

12 Ways Cannabis Helps MS

1) Reduces Pain

“In one study, 55 percent of people with MS had “clinically significant pain” at some time and 48 percent were troubled by chronic pain.”

One of the most popular medical uses of cannabis is to relieve chronic pain. Unlike traditional opiates, cannabis may offer relief for a variety of pain types and syndromes, including headaches, muscle pain, bone pain, and nerve pain.

2) Reduces Spasticity

A hallmark symptom of multiple sclerosis is muscle stiffness and spasticity. When the myelin-sheath protecting the nerve is destroyed, the nerve goes haywire. The errant electrical impulses can cause uncontrollable muscle spasms. The traditional medications to treat spasticity including valium, Zanaflex, and Flexeril, are frequently accompanied by troubling side effects and a risk for addiction.

Research has found that cannabis may help reduce muscle spasticity and relieve stiffness in patients with multiple sclerosis. In 2012, a UK controlled trial studied MS patients. Researchers found a low dose of cannabis was twice as effective at reducing muscle stiffness compared to a placebo. Patients receiving cannabis also noted a decrease in pain and improvement in sleep.

Additionally, a 2007 study in the European Journal of Neurology showed 40% of the patients receiving cannabis extract noted a decreased spasticity of greater than 30%.

I do not suffer from MS, but I do endure excruciating muscle spasms from a spinal injury. One of my favorite benefits of medical marijuana is its remarkable power to relieve muscle spasms.

3) Regulates the Immune System

Multiple Sclerosis is an immune-mediated disease, which means the immune system attacks the patient’s own cells. The cause and mechanism of MS aren’t fully understood yet.

Theories have been presented that the endocannabinoid system may play a role in regulating the immune system. This is supported by promising research which suggests cannabis may affect the endocannabinoid system and regulate the immune system in Multiple Sclerosis patients.

4) Reduces Inflammation

Inflammation significantly contributes to multiple sclerosis. The symptoms of multiple sclerosis have been attributed to “inflammatory demyelination“. To combat this chronic inflammation, physicians routinely prescribe high doses of steroids to multiple sclerosis patients.

5) Regulates Sleep

MS patients suffer from sleep issues triggered by a variety of causes, including pain, depression, anxiety, bladder or bowel issues, and more.

Research has shown, cannabis can help patients fall asleep more quickly. When patients want to boost their sleepiness they should reach for an aged harvest. Cannabis naturally breaks down into the cannabinoid, CBN (cannabinol) over time and CBN is a sedating. Old cannabis generally makes you feel more sleepy than fresh.

6) Reduces Neuropathic Pain & Numbness

As the myelin sheath of the central nervous system is damaged, lesions may trigger nerve pain, numbness, tingling, and other abnormal sensations. Neurogenic pain is notoriously hard to treat.

A 2018 review of randomized controlled trials, determined patients experienced a reduction in neuropathic pain when using cannabis. Anecdotal evidence includes patient reports noting an increase in sensation with prolonged cannabis use.

7) Battles Depression & Anxiety

The National MS Society says,

Depression in its various forms is one of the most common symptoms of multiple sclerosis. In fact, studies have suggested that clinical depression—the most severe form—is more frequent among people with MS than it is in the general population or in many other chronic illnesses.

12) Enhances Cognition

The cognitive symptoms of MS can be particularly frustrating and disabling.

Research from a Harvard study suggests using cannabis can enhance executive functioning. Animal studies also suggest THC may improve the aging brain rather than harming it.

Conclusion

Cannabis can help relieve a variety of symptoms of multiple sclerosis. Medical marijuana should be added to a care plan under the guidance of a licensed care provider. It’s important to remember, not all strain of cannabis are the same. If one strain doesn’t work, there are a thousand other strains out there to try.

Jessie Gill, RN is a cannabis nurse with a background in holistic health and hospice. After suffering a spinal injury, she reluctantly became a medical marijuana patient then quickly transitioned into an advocate. Her site, MarijuanaMommy.com combines science with personal insight to educate about medical marijuana. She’s been featured on Viceland and bylines include GoodHousekeeping, Cosmopolitan, MSN, and more.

IMPORTANT

Medical marijuana should be used under the guidance of a licensed healthcare practitioner. This site is intended as an educational overview of cannabis and does not constitute medical or legal advice.

This website is informational and cannot diagnose or treat illness or disease. Medical marijuana is not FDA approved and should be used under the direction of a licensed healthcare provider. This site contains advertisements. If you click a link and make a purchase, MarijuanaMommy.com may receive a commission.